Should Australians get the choice to opt-out of the algorithm?

Is it too late to save ourselves from social media algorithms that push bigotry, division and outrage?

No, advocates argue — but the government must act swiftly to do something about it.

Who is asking: The Fix our Feeds campaign is asking for the introduction of an opt-in feature for social media algorithms. 

What does that mean: Currently, when you install a social media app in Australia, you automatically opt-in to an algorithm that tracks what you watch, like, and share to curate a feed of content specifically designed for you. 

According to eSafety Australia, the purpose of an algorithm is to “maximise engagement — often at the expense of the user’s wellbeing”.

Fix our Feeds wants the opposite: for social media companies to ask for users' consent — effectively, an opt-in — before an algorithm is developed for them.

• Chanel Contos, who leads the campaign, argues the change would give Australians more control over the content they are exposed to.

• This would apply across all social media platforms such as Facebook, Tiktok and Instagram.

Support from Canberra: North Shore MPs Zali Steggall, Nicolette Boele, and Sophie Scamps have spoken in support of the campaign. 

“The algorithm continues to push dangerous … and damaging content to often very vulnerable people”, Steggall said on Tuesday.

Another North Shore politician, NSW Liberal MP Matt Cross — recently appointed as the state Opposition's Minister for Men’s Health — has shown support for the campaign. 

“Right now, harmful content is being pushed into social media feeds”, he told the Lorikeet.

“We need to make sure that our social media feeds are safe, and that we are doing everything we can to prevent and stop gender based domestic and sexual violence.”

How would it work: The change would mean users who do not opt-in to the algorithm will only see posts from people they follow. 

They would still be able to engage in popular content via features such as the “explore page” on Instagram, but this would only be “generally popular content”, not specifically catered to the user.

Australia has increasingly introduced regulations for social media companies, such as the News Media Bargaining Code — requiring platforms pay local news publishers for their content — and the recently implemented under-16 social media ban. 

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